Ibadan is a big and popular city in Oyo state, it is in fact the capital of Oyo state. Ibadan is located in the South West region of Nigeria. Ibadan is the third most populous city in Nigeria, coming after Lagos and Kano. Ibadan is often referred to as the city of brown roofs because of its old structures. However, the city also boasts of unique places of interest that can serve as tourist sites and recreational spots. Whether as a visitor or resident, your stay in Ibadan can be exciting and enjoyable.
Find out the top fun places to visit when you are at Ibadan.
Bowers Tower
The highest hill in the city of Ibadan is the Oke Are Hill located in Igbo Agala, on the top of this hill sits an over 60 feet tall Tower, called Bowers Tower, named after the first British resident and travel commissioner of Yoruba Land, Captain Robert Lister Bower in 1936. The Bowers tower is one of the grandest monuments in the city of Ibadan. Rising up about 60 feet, the Bowers Tower offers you a breathtaking view of the city of Ibadan. Some views from the tower include the University of Ibadan, UCH, the Cocoa House, the University college hospital, Dugbe market, Agodi gardens and even the toll gate on Lagos- Ibadan road. This experience makes the tower a fun place to hang out in Ibadan. Not to worry, the highest point of the tower can be assessed through a stairway of about 47 spiral staircases with its two entrances.
Agodi Gardens
Agodi Gardens is also known as the Agodi zoological and botanical gardens. You will find this garden at the foot of the old Mokola hills. Many people visit the Agodi Gardens in Ibadan to have a fun-filled day through the various activities available there. Because of the garden’s luxurious vegetation, Agodi gardens is a perfect picnic area that can easily become your favorite relaxation spot. In addition to this, Agodi Gardens has a grand swimming area and inflatable boats so one can spend some time swimming. Other attractions at the Agodi gardens include a mini zoo, Water Park, and rides for children. Agodi gardens provide you with an opportunity to have a picnic, visit a zoo and take enjoyable rides all in the same place. This is definitely one of the fun places to hang out in Ibadan. Agodi Gardens is located along Parliament road, Mokola, Ibadan.
IITA Forest Reserve Ibadan
IITA is a popular and luxurious place in Ibadan. The acronym stands for the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. It will interest you to know that IITA is the only protected urban forest in the South West region of Nigeria. The reserve was established in 1967 and still maintains a level of standardization you can only find in specific places. The IITA Forest reserve is a massive expanse of land designed to preserve and promote biodiversity. This makes it not only an entertainment or relaxation spot but an educational center as well. The reserve has an observed record of a wide range of animals such as over 20 species of reptiles, 200 species of birds, 400 species of plants and over 100 species of butterflies. Other entertaining activities that take place at the IITA Forest Reserve Ibadan are camping activities, picnics, biking, fishing and golf playing around the botanical gardens, lakes, and forest. IITA Forest Reserve Ibadan is located at Oyo road, between Ojoo and Muniyan town, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Trans Amusement Park
Trans Amusement Park is one of the most fun places to be in Ibadan. It is also known as “Trans wonderland”. This amusement park has a wonderland theme and is often referred to as Nigeria’s “Disney World”. This goes to show how aesthetically pleasing the park is and why it should be on the list of places you can visit in Ibadan. You will find lots of fun rides and wheels, as well as other activities to keep you entertained at the park. Trans Amusement park is also kids friendly, that is there are activities available to keep your children engaged and entertained. There is an ice cream spot worth mentioning, where you can have a delicious treat for yourself and your loved ones. The park also provides a well-mowed lawn that can serve as a resting area. It is a place worth visiting in Ibadan. Trans Amusement Park is located at Sango Ojoo road, Ibadan Oyo State.
National Museum Ibadan
Officially known as the National Museum of Unity Ibadan. This museum was opened on the 12th of April 2002 and is located at Alesinloye Area, Ibadan, Oyo. When you visit the National Museum at Ibadan, you will satisfy your curiosity about Yoruba history. The museum is divided into four galleries. The Unity gallery houses objects and artifacts such as musical instruments collected from various parts of the country. These include gongs, beads, xylophones, rattles, etc. The Masquerade gallery houses outfits of masquerades collected from all over the country. Here, you will find the Eastern “mmanwu” and Western “egungun”, as well as masks worn by the “spirits”. The pottery gallery houses a vast collection of ceramic bowls and plates. The Yoruba gallery has a collection of ancient Yoruba land relics and artifacts such as regalia that portray the rich cultural heritage of Ibadan. A visit to the National Museum Ibadan will cost you as little as N250 for an adult.
University of Ibadan Zoological Garden
The zoological garden at the University of Ibadan was built in 1948, by the Department of Zoology at the University. A zoological garden is a place of learning as well as a conservation center for animals. Besides this, the UI zoo is a great place to hang out with friends and family. You can get to see animals of different species while enjoying the refreshing air of nature. Some animals you will find are lions, ostriches, monkeys, tortoises as well as reptiles, and birds. The zoo has lots of picnic spots where you can relax and eat, play games and take pictures. There are also shops where you can buy food in case you get hungry. It also serves as a good destination for students’ excursions.
This is a list of top fun places you must not miss to visit in Ibadan.